School Psychologist - Early Childhood

TITLE: School Psychologist - Early Chidhood (Special Education)

LOCATION: TBD

The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is a nationally recognized urban school district that serves approximately 22,000 students and 60+ different languages are spoken in the homes of our students. KCKPS is home to Sumner Academy, the #6 highest rated High School in the Nation and #1 High School in Kansas according to the US News rankings.

With Head Start/preschools, 28 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 5 college and career academies/high schools, we are the fifth largest district in the state of Kansas and our student population is approximately 56% Hispanic, 24% African American, 9% White, and 6% Asian. To serve our students, the district employs approximately 4,000 employees including more than 1,800 teachers.

JOB GOAL:

The job of School Psychologist is done for the purpose/s of measuring and interpreting the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children; interpreting results of psychological studies; interpreting and applying state and federal policies/regulations; and developing strategies and interventions to address the needs of students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Administers standardized and/or informal assessments for the purpose of measuring the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children and/or determining eligibility for services in compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Assesses students' functional capabilities and home and/or classroom environment for the purpose of determining student's functional level and developing recommendations and/or placement.
• Communicates with students, parents, teachers, other personnel, and outside agencies for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems and/or resolving conflicts, providing requested information and developing plans for services.
• Compiles information from a variety of sources (e.g. school personnel, parents and guardians, medical personnel, social service and mental health agencies, etc.) for the purpose of producing a comprehensive evaluation report in compliance with established guidelines.
• Coordinates with community agencies including medical, social service and mental health services for the purpose of determining appropriate interventions to meet the needs of specific students.
• Counsels students, parents and/or guardians regarding students' progress in relation to established objectives for the purpose of providing feedback to gain support in enhancing student success with school and home environment.
• Develops behavior plans and curriculum modifications for the purpose of meeting the educational needs of students.
• Facilitates meetings and processes for the purpose of ensuring that state and federal guidelines are followed.
• Intervenes in occurrences of inappropriate behavior of students for the purpose of assisting students in modifying such behavior and developing successful interpersonal skills.
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. student evaluations; various correspondence, memos, behavior plans, Medicaid billings, IEP plan recommendations, progress notes, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' goals.
• Supervises interns, practicum students and others for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall objectives of school's curriculum.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Meets the employment qualifications set forth by the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education.
• Maintain a professional attitude with families and staff
• Valid Kansas Master's level certification
• Excellent interpersonal skills and professional judgment
• Demonstrated collaborative and consultative skills

COMMUNICATION / ORGANIZATION: Maintains communication with school personnel, and parents/guardians to enhance cooperative action which will meet the educational needs of students.

Utilizes existing technology effectively in the performance of duties.

Performs other related work as required

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and analyze and interpret general professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, general curriculum and learning theories, correspondence, and protocols. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, parents, students, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must occasionally push items of 50 pounds such as pushing on a bike ore wheelchair, or moving/rearranging furniture. While performing the duties of the job the employee occasionally may visit a child's home. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and is a standard acceptable level for this environment. Is directly responsible for students' safety, work output and well-being.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community; ability to speak clear and concisely in written or oral communication.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 186 days and 10 extended days as determined by Supervisor

SALARY: Certified Salary Schedule:

https://www.kckschools.org/hr/salary-schedules

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

REPORT TO: Executive Director of Special Education

EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Board of Education policy

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. The individual holding this position performs additional duties and additional duties may be assigned.

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KCKPS is an equal opportunity employer and shall not discriminate in its employment practices and policies with respect to hiring, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of an individual's race, color, religion, sex/gender (to include orientation, identity, or expression), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.

For more information regarding Title IX please contact:

District Compliance Coordinator

2010 N. 59th Street

Kansas City, KS 66104

913-279-2262

Title IX@kckps.org